Bowlers from VVS, Camden and Chittenango aim for titles in 2012-13

Vernon-Verona-Sherrill's boys bowling team rolled through its schedule last season, finishing 15-0 and winning a Section III title. Chittenango's girls team also won a sectional crown, and both will look to stay on top this year.

VVS graduated six seniors from last year's undefeated squad. However, Brad Long, Nathan Desnoyers, Kyle Levatino, Tyler Baker, Brendan Thomas and Wyatt Hasty all return, hoping to keep the Red Devils on top. They will be joined by freshmen Devin Long and Brenden Boice, who will also try to help VVS fend off rival Camden.

"This year will be a little different than our past," said VVS coach David Hyle. "We won't be as deep as in the past. (Camden's) definitely gunning for a sectional title this year."

The Blue Devils should certainly contend for a title. All eight starters return from last year's team that went 11-1 in the TVL and 12-3 overall.

Advertisement

First-Team Tri-Valley League all-stars A.J. Welch and Joe Clarke return along with second teamers Brenden Long and Joe Sigg. Sigg, Mike Dean, Andrew Bourgeois, Justin Jeffries and Cameren Drake are also back from last year's TVL five-man team event winners and Caleb Ingraham and Anthony Parker add depth.

"This team is capable of bowling some big scores, but consistency is their strong suite," said Camden coach Alan Rose. "The team goal is to win the regular season title, the TVL Tournament and finish in the top five at sectionals."

On the girls side, Chittenango defends its Section III title with a familiar face. Lisa Lowenberg coached the team for three years, did not last season, but is back for 2012-13.

Casey Smith returns after competing on the state level last year and will be joined by fellow returnees Ashlee Snyder, Megan Gearity and Cayleigh Phillips. Lowenberg will also coach the boys and has Jason Randall, Kyle McGinnis, Kyle Jackson and Brian O'Connor returning.

Eric Van Slyke is also coaching two teams, but for Canastota. He returns for his 13th season as boys coach and is coaching the girls team for the first time. He returns Jason Kirik, Raven Salay and Robert Roscoe on a boys team that went 6-4 in league play and 9-7 overall. Justice Mackey, Wyatt Orcutt, Matt Eaton and Chuck Linder are newcomers who could make an impact for the Raiders this season. Van Slyke doesn't have a senior on the boys squad.

The girls team is also young, with returnee Traci Abel the only senior. Keri Whitmeyer is the only other holdout from last year's squad. The duo will be joined by Danae Fowler, Ariel Orcutt and Vanessa Loomis.

"Our goal is to have as much fun as possible and learn the game of bowling," said Van Slyke.

VVS' girls team has seven starters returning from last year's team that went 8-5. Ashley Salisbury, Rachael Schmeichel, Courtney Mennig, Jackie Neverette, Barbara Stevens, Angel Rimes and Emily Salisbury will be joined by top newcomers Emily Dugan and Ashley Thomas for a Red Devils team looking to qualify for the playoffs this season.

Camden's girls team is also looking to make the playoffs in coach Jeff Klatt's sixth season. He brings back Tiffany Stinger, Rose Pounds, Jessica Furry, Noella Terault and Taylor Clarke. Victoria Correia should be a promising newcomer for the Blue Devils.